YNGVIL VATN GUTTU,
TFYP Program Director

Born in Oslo, Norway, Yngvil studied theatre and music in London England, then toured for 8 years across Eurpoe, UK, US and Canada with a variety of productions. She also worked as a radio producer, TV producer and presenter for BSKYB, TV3 and Zee TV. Her favorite children’s theatre company is Visible Fictions from Scotland, with whom she has done several wonderful productions. She first came to Alaska in October 2002, performing at  the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts with Visible Fictions’ “The Red Balloon.” Yngvil decided to stay in Alaska, and subsequently worked for Anchorage Community Theatre and later Alaska Theatre of Youth. She has been Program Director for TFYP for the last two years. Yngvil also composes music, plays trumpet, runs a scrap band and tells people to take care of the environment. Recyle! Compost! Use less plastic!

ERIKA NINOYU,
Musical Director

Erika teaches percussion through EnviroBEAT, UAA Theater for Young People, AK Percussive Arts Society and privately. She recently graduated from UAA with a Bachelor of Music Education and is currently pursuing a Masters of Arts in Teaching Music. Erika has played for various groups, including the Anchorage Jazz Ensemble, After Six Orchestra, Crow Creek Pipes & Drums, UAA Jazz, Wind and Percussion Ensembles, Civic Orchestra and EnviroBEAT. Erika is passionate about what brings color to our lives: self-expression through performing and visual arts. Her background in music, dance, theater and visual art allows her to openly transcend the art forms to communicate her unique expression. She hopes to continue this exploration throughout her life and share this passion with others.

MELISSA WANAMAKER,
Movement, Directing